Sunday, 31 March 2013

As you can see, the original kitchen wasn't that bad (though bear in mind this is the estate agents picture, with no real belongings in it, and they do like to pretty their photos up.) But what you can't see is that this kitchen was mostly really badly designed (designed in the loosest sense of the word.) I am a cabinet makers daughter, and my parents made bespoke kitchens for years, so I am somewhat spoiled for a good kitchen, but still, these were the key issues:
1. The worktops appeared to have been put in by a carpenter (or more than likely not a carpenter) with a happy planing hand which meant every joint was mismatched, leaving random gaps for gunk to lodge into.
2. The cupboards seem to have been bought ex-display, as they were the smallest wall cupboards you could find, and didn't actually fit the walls or corners.
3. The dishwasher (next to window in image) was on the other side of the room from the water source, hence pipes dangling along walls under the window.

So if I could get over the slightly dated styling, door fronts and colours, I couldn't deal with the lack of practicality in a room that needs it in abundance.

However, we were on a budget, so a brand new kitchen was out of the question. Thank heavens for Ikea and an experienced cabinet maker in my family to make it fit.

If you've got pretty stuff, why hide it away?

Plates on display

Porcelain: Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Mega

So there you go, new sideboards, top cupboards, doors and handles, open shelving (made from the recycled old wooden sideboard). A little rejigging (dishwasher now on opposite side). New tiles (Metro tiles in 'Bond Street' or 'Atlantis' depending on where you're buying them.) I love the final result. I like items on display, I feel like I remember what I've got that way, and actually use it, whether it's my beautiful Anthropologie noodle bowls, or the pearl barley that had previously been hiding at the back of the cupboard. I'm well aware that the 'before' picture looks brighter and more sleek, but as I said, it contains no actual belongings, and my photo day was not as sunny (And not as sunny as this day either).

Looking back I can see that I've been influenced by these kitchens too...

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Generally I'm not a massive fan of Le Creuset. It's a silly prejudice because I own some and have never been disappointed when using any I have come across, but it's a dislike based on my own childish issues with ultra popular products/music/trends in general. I just think Le Creuset is a bit middle of the road, a bit of an easy choice, a bit meh.

But there was something about the styling of this picture in the Debenhams home brochure (case in point people, it's in Debenhams. I am a snob.) The colours of the mugs when mixed up like this, plus the cute espresso cups (also available in a very cool matt black), might almost be enough to make me welcome some French country kitchen into my home. Maybe.

Friday, 22 March 2013

Blogging about interiors, and decorating in general, presents an issue online. Search issues. Wallpaper is wallpaper right? well it depends on your perspective.

Anyway, I'm very much enjoying the free wallpaper for decorating your virtual world, provided by designer Breanna Rose, found via How About Orange. Also available for iPads and iPhones. She creates new ones every few weeks, so worth checking back.

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Between my sink and the tumble drier, but right now, the warmest, sunniest spot in the house, and I'm going to use it. They say those arctic winds are coming back in a minute.

So it's March, and I'm 2 weeks or so off bringing another tiny punk into the world: and thus, I am at home on a Thursday morning, alone, and for the first time in a long long time, have enough headspace to indulge myself.

37 weeks. Not a basketball.

A and I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, big thinking. It's nice to be able to have those big thoughts, I am very privileged. Out of those big thoughts came some smaller ones, particularly a small, ripe, important one. That I like to create. Unfortunately it does not currently earn me money, and 2 weeks before another colour-loving-person is born is not an opportune time to remember this thing, but it is still of utmost importance, in The Scheme of Things.

This week, I mostly created this:

Safely installed. With hose and maracas. Very important to take to the moon.

It made colour-loving-punk no1 happy, and if he is happy, then I am happy.

Funny how Mama gets all protective of the homemade, ramshackle spaceship when toddler decides it's time to tidy up now and starts dismantling it huh? This spaceship is staying around for a little longer, it is proof for one day only that I was a Good Mother who Turned Off Toy Story.

In kitchen: cushion by Mumo, orange stool from made.com, step stool from ikea. You know where that is.

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HELLO

Welcome to Colour Lovin' Mother, my name is Sara and I live in North Norfolk, having abandoned London town in the hope of an idyllic life bounding through fields with my kids (turns out they'd rather watch Toy Story).

I am a lady with a love for colour and pattern and I write this blog to inspire your latest interior update or crafting adventure. Enjoy!